7^th Grade Science Terrariums Name: _________________

1. The major problem with terrariums concerns:

a) Air b) Water c) Slugs d) Salt

2. A solution that matches a cell’s cytoplasm concentration is:

a) Hypertonic b) Isotonic c) Hypotonic d) None of these

3. Pathogens cause:

a) Diseases b) Digestion c) Terrariums d) None of these

4. A cell placed in a hypertonic solution will:

a) Explode b) Shrink c) Stay the same size d) None of these

5. Plants make food using water, carbon dioxide and sunlight. They are:

a) Producers b) Consumers

6. A cell placed in an isotonic solution will:

a) Explode b) Shrink c) Stay the same size d) None of these

7. Animals that eat other animals are called:

a) Producers b) Herbivores c) Carnivores

8. Give an example of an animal described above in #7: _________________________

9. A cell placed in a hypotonic solution will:

a) Explode b) Shrink c) Stay the same size d) None of these

10. Animals that eat plants only are called:

a) Producers b) Herbivores c) Carnivores

11. Give an example of an animal described above in #10: _______________________

12. An herbivore eats: a) plants b) other animals c) both of these

13. A parasitic plant gets its energy mostly from: a) sunlight b) other plants

14. Describe what happened to the slug covered with salt:

15. Describe how you set up your terrarium:

A terrarium is a collection of compatible plants grown in an enclosed, or partially enclosed, clear container. Creating a terrarium filled with ferns and other small plants is a practical and fun way to have a miniature landscape inside your home. Their easy care is ideal for people who are too busy to spend a lot of time caring for plants.

Your choice of containers is only as broad as your imagination. There are many ready made terrariums available, or you can use bottles, jars, aquariums, or fishbowls. The choice is yours.

Terrariums allow you to grow plants which require a high degree of humidity, which otherwise would probably perish in the dry atmosphere of a heated home. Once the plants become established within your miniature garden, the terrarium begins to create a climate of its own. The plants transpire moisture through their leaves, which then condenses on the glass, and flows back to the soil. This 'rain effect' allows the terrarium to go for weeks without watering.

Terrariums should never be grown in full sun!

For your new terrarium to succeed, it is extremely important that it is properly set up. As with any landscaping project, selecting appropriate plants is also very important. Plants need to be compact, and slow growing, as well as being able to survive the same conditions as their companion plants.

To avoid insect and disease problems, be sure to only use a good quality, commercial potting soil which has been pasteurized to kill any organisms which may be present. Additional planting materials, like the rock you will use for drainage, and stones or driftwood you use for landscaping accents should be rinsed with clean, HOT water, before using.

Inspect the plants you are using, very carefully, for signs of insects or disease, or any other potential problems.

For the beginner, I recommend that you choose a large, open container such as an aquarium. These are much easier to work in. With experience, you can advance to using 'chopsticks' and dibble sticks to plant your garden inside a small mouthed container, much like building a 'ship in a bottle'.

16.This article is about:___________________________________

17. It tells you how to: __________________________________________________.

18. What does pasteurization do?

19. How often should you need to water a terrarium?

a) Hourly b) Daily c) Every few weeks

20. The article says good choices for plants will be: (give 2 characteristics)

Bonus: How is it possible to have a plant growing in a terrarium that is larger than the opening?